Samuel lived during a time of rampant corruption among the adults surrounding him.  He seems to have been unique among his peers as well.

Seeing the Scriptures in light of God's grand narrative is one way we can fall deeper in love with Him while growing in knowledge of his character and goodness.

Deep hope is described for the hurting and wounded soul (42:3). . .These descriptions repeat over and over in poetic beauty that grips the soul with wonder and fills it with glorious joy!

A common feeling that arises among international residents of Rome is that of defeat. . .The struggles of language, relationships, traffic, and the lack of convenience are not unfamiliar to most.

Last Sunday, I concluded our text with a list of "works of faith" that we, as a church, might endeavor to accomplish through the power of God. 

The church is a community of changed people, from sinners condemned under the law of God to saints made righteous by the grace of God.

"Men did not love Rome because she was great. She was great because they had loved her."

I believe these simple but profound petitions will prepare our hearts well for the coming year.

This statement of faith is not the totality of our convictions regarding truth, morality, or right conduct.

At RIC we practice the ordinances of baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and marriage.

The mission of the church is to prepare for Jesus’ return by leading people to Christ and helping them mature in the faith.

The Holy Spirit manifests the presence of God as He executes His will in the world. He convicts the world of sin, and persuades people to repent of their sins and confess Jesus as Lord.

Jesus Christ is both the eternal Son of God and virgin-born Son of man. Fully God and fully man…

The Scriptures of both the Old and New Testaments are verbally inspired of God, error-free in the original writings, and the supreme authority of faith and practice for the believer in Jesus Christ.

Rome International Church sits at the cross-roads of cultures.  This means that we are a diverse group of people, welcoming anyone from anywhere to worship with us as we discover how God's Word reveals God's purpose for our lives.

When I return, I have every reason to believe that the Lord will keep you and grow you as you continue in him rooted and built up in Christ.

May each of us grow in our love and understanding of the gospel so that these characteristics may become more and more true of us.

Could I suggest that the term worthy has nothing to do with the hypothetical applications I've just given?  Instead, more than strength, money, or skill, the Scriptures would have us see examples of righteousness. 

For Christians, hospitality happens at the speed of life.  It is finding or making moments, whether full meals over long evenings or accompanying one another on walks or grocery runs.  Time together listening, sharing, and remembering what Jesus taught us. 

Paul vividly describes how the gospel sparked an overflow of joy among the Macedonian believers, leading to a generous and sacrificial act of giving. They gave not out of obligation but out of the sheer joy of contributing to the 'relief of the saints.'